Ashley Wallace, MBA '14

Graziadio Spotlight Stories

Fashion Guru Uses Pepperdine MBA to Turn Blog into Modern Clothing Line

Why did you choose Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School?

I chose Pepperdine because of the kind of community it has built for its students.
The Pepperdine community is unlike any other school I’ve experienced. The faculty,
staff, students and alumni all contribute to a uniquely collaborative culture in which
everyone, from your marketing professor to your peers, actively takes part in how
you succeed.

How would you define the “Pepperdine difference”?

Entrepreneurship is definitely Pepperdine’s claim to fame. And it’s not just theory
– the school instills tangible, practical knowledge, taught by professors and guest
lecturers who are successful business people themselves and give counsel based on
their experience in the trenches. From day one, when I decided to switch my concentration
to entrepreneurship, the program gave me the step-by-step tools to build my business
from the ground up.

How did getting your MBA from Pepperdine help to advance you in your career?

It was such a game changer. When I decided to go back to school to get my MBA I thought
I knew better than to go down the path of entrepreneurism, because I’d seen the stress
it caused my family and wanted to steer clear. But after being encouraged to start
my fashion blog while at Pepperdine, I knew there was no turning back from my entrepreneurial
ambitions and Pepperdine was the best place for me. I never questioned my ability
to launch my blog and fashion line because I had so much support and help from my
Pepperdine community.

How would you describe your ROI on your MBA?

If it were not for my MBA, I would not have launched my fashion line. Developing a
fashion blog is one thing, but Pepperdine gave me the tools to create Saav & Sass.
I learned how to grow my business from the ground up and build upon my success. My
return on investment was having the skill set to expand beyond my blog.

What is one lesson learned at GSBM that you have been able to apply to your career
or personal life?

Time management was one of my biggest takeaways. As an entrepreneur, you have to learn
how to prioritize your time because some days there just isn’t enough time to do everything
that needs to get done. At Pepperdine, I learned how to best manage and utilize my
time. It wasn't until graduate school that I realized how much I could really accomplish
with the right time management skills. In my day-to day proper time management gives
me the ability to successfully run two startups.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering seeking an MBA?

Embrace the experience – the whole experience. The personal and professional growth
you achieve during and after school will boost you to the next level in your career.
And don’t put it off, because there’s no time like the present.

How are you supporting or staying engaged with the Pepperdine Community?

I often meet with current students to share my business experiences and entrepreneurial
endeavors. I answer questions and give business advice from someone who’s been where
they are. As a Graziadio Alumni Network member, I also stay connected by attending
alumni events and participating in different alumni activities throughout the year.

About Ashley Wallace

Ashley Wallace is a fashion designer, avid blogger and budding entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. Wallace is CEO of Saav & Sass, a contemporary fashion line for the modern professional woman, and Editor-In-Chief of CgC Daily, a digital publishing website aimed at helping women dress for the corporate setting. At Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School Wallace pursued the Entrepreneurship Program and graduated with a SEER Certificate in spring 2014. Wallace currently manages a network of more than 100 contributors on CgC Daily and plans to launch Saav & Sass in 15 stores and counting, from L.A. to the Hamptons.